The Florida College basketball team began their weekend avenging a November 14 loss to Johnson & Wales University. The game began at a fast pace and the score stayed close, with several lead changes early on. FC fell behind by five in the first half, but was helped out by two quick offensive scores from a three pointer by sophomore Nic Gilbert and a layup by freshman Colin Houston that put the Falcons ahead 22-19 with 4:20 to go.

“We started running in practice more get in shape and during the game, we pressured the ball more,” said Houston.

The second half began much slower, with both teams playing sloppy. Florida College finally went on a scoring run off of JWU turnovers and went ahead 52-43. With five minutes to go, the Wildcats cut the deficit to seven, but FC pulled ahead for the 74-61 win. Senior Blake Elrod led in scoring with 15 points and freshman Jordan Mitchell added 14.

Head Coach Robb Mitchell ’91 prepared his team to play at a fast tempo. “Our goal was to play from end line to end line, defensively running and jumping, offensively attacking the basket,” said Mitchell.

They traveled to Ave Maria University (4-3) on Saturday. The Falcons faced a physical AMU team who played hard in a game that ended with an 87-61 Ave Maria victory.

The team will take eleven days off during dead week and finals before their final two games of 2009. On December 17, Mount Vernon Nazarene University (5-4) from Ohio will travel to Conn Gymnasium for a 7:00 PM game. The next evening, they will play Lawrence University (2-5) of Wisconsin in another home game.

Falcon supporters are helping put a new floor in Conn Gymnasium. Some have made a pledge to donate for every three-point shot made this season. Help make a Score For The Floor.

Listen to all home games by podcast through Apple’s iTunes.